Burnham is a well-known face to voters in Makerfield and many who had previously turned to Reform UK tell The i Paper they plan to back him on his way to Westminster

Winning the Makerfield by-election could be a major challenge for Andy Burnham, as he is eyeing up a new role in Westminster.

Andy Burnham has been offered a path back to Parliament after a Labour MP stood down, triggering a by-election which the Mayor of Greater Manchester hopes to contest.